What to eat in Atlanta
Southern comfort with a superstar swagger: shattering fried chicken, lemon-pepper wings, and drive-in classics that score the city's soundtrack.
Five dishes. Zero regrets.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Unbreaded wings tossed in zesty lemon-pepper seasoning — invented in Atlanta and declared 'central to the city's social fabric' by the New York Times. Get them 'wet' for the saucy, tangy upgrade.
Try it at: J.R. Crickets, the Atlanta wing institution behind the famous 'lemon pepper wet'
Varsity Chili Dog
A snappy hot dog buried in the world's most famous drive-in chili, ordered with the barked greeting 'What'll ya have?' at a counter that's been slinging them since 1928.
Try it at: The Varsity, the downtown drive-in institution since 1928
Southern Fried Chicken
Golden, shattering-crisp fried chicken with juicy meat — the centerpiece of Atlanta's classic meat-and-three plate, served with collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese.
Try it at: Mary Mac's Tea Room, the Midtown Southern kitchen serving since 1945
Fried Peach Pie
A hand-held turnover of flaky fried crust around jammy Georgia peach filling — the Peach State's favorite fruit in its most portable, indulgent form.
Try it at: The Varsity, which fries them fresh alongside its chili dogs
Peach Cobbler
Buttery, bubbling cobbler loaded with ripe Georgia peaches under a golden biscuit crust — the definitive dessert of the Peach State, best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Try it at: Meat-and-three cafés and Southern diners across the city
